It may still be summer but the Harrogate Theatre are already looking forward to the new Autumn/Winter programme and all the delights they have on the way.
It’s certainly a jam-packed and exciting season ahead. They have drama, comedy, music, opera, ballet and more, all based in some of Harrogate’s oldest and most beautiful spaces.
This September will see 3 big dramas – The Debt Collectors by John Godber, Be My Baby by Amanda Whittington, and French Without Tears by Terence Rattigan. In February they have Frankenstein and Mr Darcy Loses The Plot.
For music lovers, the new season is packed with some of the best artists and tribute bands around.
The programme includes: Frankly Sinatra (Sept), RAF in Concert (Oct), Elkie Brooks (Oct), Jools Holland (Nov), Show of Hands (Nov), The Elvis Years (Nov), David Essex (Nov), Kate Rusby (Dec), Magic of Motown (Dec), Rumours of Fleetwood Mac (Jan), You Win Again (Feb), and Whitney – Queen of the Night (Feb)!
The theatre are also launching regular Circle Live events starting on 10 September – a showcase of some of the best local live music, in our stunning theatre bar on a Saturday afternoon once a month.
In terms of ballet and opera, in September we bring Bizet’s Carmen presented by Russian State Opera to the Royal Hall. October is busy with Swan Lake at the Royal Hall, and English Touring Opera’s Ulysses Homecoming & La Calisto at Harrogate Theatre. Finally in November we have Sleeping Beauty from Russian State Ballet at the Royal Hall.
The intimate Studio Theatre often hosts emerging artists and new work, as well as giving audiences the opportunity to get up-close and in amongst the action.
This season in the Studio they have The Trials of Galileo (Sept), Dare Devil Rides to Jarama (Sept) and The Book of Darkness & Light (Dec).
At The Mountains of Madness (Sept) and Polaris (Jan) are also in the Studio and as both are the work of H.P. Lovecraft.
Also as part of the Autumn/Winter season, the 8th annual Harrogate Comedy Festival takes place on 1-16 Oct 2016. This year’s line-up includes Ross Noble, Russell Kane, Adam Hills, Marcus Brigstocke, Rich Hall, Andrew Lawrence, Shappi Khorsandi, Hans Teeuwen, Mae Martin & Adam Hess, Jason Byrne, Jo Caulfield, Mark Watson, Jarlath Regan and winner of the 2015 Fosters Edinburgh Comedy Award, Sam Simmons.
What’s more, there’s the weird and wonderful Kill The Beast with Don’t Wake the Damp, ingenious sketch group Gein’s Family Gift Shop, silent comedian Tape Face – as seen on America’s Got Talent this year – and the spectacularly surreal Pajama Men.
The BIG Weekend on Sat 8 & Sun 9 October is a weekend-round treat of stand-up comedy from Andy Hamilton, Felicity Ward, and James Acaster alongside a kids comedy club, a comedy quiz, live local music in our Circle Bar, a Sunday afternoon set from Fake Thackray, a hangover-busting comedy panel, an art exhibition, and more!
Finally, it may seem early to mention it but…. don’t forget this year’s Christmas pantomime! Dick Whittington opens at Harrogate Theatre on Wednesday 30 November and thousands of tickets have already been sold.
Tickets for these events and many more can be booked securely online at www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk or through the Harrogate Theatre Box Office on 01423 502116.
See https://issuu.com/jocrawford11/docs/harrogate_theatre_aut16_brochure_/1 for the full brochure
